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E. H. SPRECKELMEIER CONTROL SYSTEM FOR FOLDING MACHINES Dec. 13, 1955 4 Sheets-Shut 1 Original Filed Dec. 26. 1947 INVENTOR EDWIN HENRY SPRECKELNEIER /A, 71 M4 1.0m...

ATTORNEYS Dec. 13. 1955 E. H. SPRECKELMEIER 24.101

comm. svs'rm FOR FOLDING mcmmss Original Filed Dec. 26. 1947 4 Sheath-Sheet 2 III 11111111111111 v11] 11111 IIIIIJIIll/IIIIIII 111111, IIIIIIIITIIIIIIIIIII FIG-3 FIG-4 INVENTOR EDWIN HENRY SPRECKELMEIER 71 15.44.; 1 Wm ATTORhiYS Dec. 13,1955 E. H. SPRECKELMEIER Rel 24.101

cou'mox. svsmn FOR FOLDING MACHINES Original Filed Dec. as. 1947 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 FIG-2 INV ENTOR EDWIN HENRY SPRECKELMEIER FIG-6 ATTORNEYS Doc. l3. 1955 E. H. SPRECKELMEIER 24.101

CONTROL SYSTEM FOR FOLDING MACHINES Original Filed Dec. 26. 194';

4 Sheets-Sheet 4 N 3 a q INVENTOR EDWIN HENRY SPRECKELMEIER 7x1 W l 19m ATTORNEYS United States Patent CONTROL SYSTEM FOR FOLDING MACHINES Edwin Henry Spreckelmeler, Cincinnati, Ohio, assignor to The American Laundry Machine Company, Cincinnati, Ohio, a corporation of Ohio Original No. 2,643,879, dated June 30, 1953, Serial No. 794,049, December 26, 1947. Application for reissue June 29, 1955, Serial No. 519,016

32 Claims. (Cl. 270-81) Matter enclosed in heavy brackets appears in the original patent but forms no part of this reissue specification; matter printed in italics indicates the additions made by reissue.

same size but actually may vary somewhat in length and width. The control mechanism for such a machine causes it to produce one or two cross folds in the article at points proportionate to its length, regardless of its actual length. The folds may be produced, for example, at the quarter and half points, or at the one-third and two-thirds points, or at other places.

The present invention is an improvement upon that de scribed, shown and claimed in Letters Patent No. 2,374,779, granted May 1, 1945, to John E. Preston for Sequence Timer and Measuring Control, as well as to the invention of an application for Letters Patent filed December 26, 1947, by Thomas I. Doran for Timing Device for Folding Machine, Serial No. 793,806, Patent No. 2,516,454, granted July 25, 1950.

Brief reference to said patents [and application] is desirable.

According to the Preston invention, articles to be folded may be given either one or two cross folds' at a point or points proportional to its length. The control system accordingly includes either one or two electronic measuring devices controlled by one or two trips actuated by the leading and trailing edges of the traveling articles. When only a single fold is produced, means is provided to prevent a second closely following article from interfering with the measuring and folding operations upon its predecessor, but such an arrangement involves the use of two trips, spaced apart along the path of article travel.

When but one trip is used, it is possible to produce only one fold either at a definite distance from the leading edge or at a point proportional to article length.

According to the invention of the said Doran patent [application] two pairs of electronic measuring devices are alternately employed, together with two trips for controlling them and producing the measuring effect and a third selector trip to cause alternate operation of the two pairs, but only for producing a single fold.

One object of the present invention is to provide improved control mechanism for a folding machine of the kind described, in which but a single trip is necessary, and which includes two or more sets of measuring devices employed successively, or in order, each set being adapted to cause the production of two cross folds in the article at points proportionate to their length, regardless of their actual length.

, A further object'is to provide improved means, in a control system of the kind described, for producing two cross folds in an article, proportionately to its length, but

in which a closely following article does not interfere with the measuring or folding of its predecessor.

Still another object its to simplify the control mechanism by reducing the number of trips affected by the traveling articles, but retaining all advantages of proportional folding on a series of articles differing in length.

A further object is to provide improved control mechanism, including two or more sets of measuring devices, employed alternately or in succession, in which the operation or actuation of one set, by one article, prepares another set for actuation or operation by a second or following article, and so on, so that the sets may be used successively, by selection, or in order, thereby preventing one article from interfering with another.

Further objects of the invention in part are obvious and in part will appear more in detail hereinafter.

In the drawings,

Fig. 1 represents a central longitudinal section through one form of machine embodying the invention;

Fig. 2 is a detail end view of a controlling drum switch mechanism;

Fig. 3 is a detail plan view of the parts shown in Fig. 2;

Fig. 4 is a front elevation of the same parts;

Fig. 5 is a diagram of the controlling circuits and other parts;

Fig. 6 is a detail diagram, on a larger scale, showing the circuits for a typical electronic measuring device; and

Fig. 7 is an end view of an article completely folded by the present machine. l

The invention may be applied for use as a part of any 1 type of folding machine in which several flat articles of the kind referred to are folded in succession, each at a plurality of points located proportionately to the length of the article, regardless of its actual length, such as .at

the -third and two-thirds points, the quarter and half points, or in any other proportion. For convenience, and in no sense of limitation, the invention will be described as applied to a machine for folding sheets at the quarter and half points, thus producing an article which, viewed endwise, is of the form illustrated in Fig. 7.

The folding machine itself might well be of the form shown in the aforesaid Preston patent, but, as illustrated, is generally similar to that shown in a prior application for Bypass Mechanism for Folding Machines, Serial No. 677,368, filed June 17, 1946, Patent No. 2,510,185, granted June 6, 1950, by Clifton S. Malott, Jr., to which reference may be had if desirable or necessary.

Briefly described the folding machine includes a suitable frame 10 in which are mounted rollers 11 over which travel three sets of endless belts or tapes 12, 13, 14 for advancing the articles in succession so that finally they emerge at and over the last roll 11a, the advancing edge moving down in front of an oscillating folding arm 15 pivoted at 16 and actuated by a cam 17 rotatable on a suitably driven constantly rotating shaft 18, said cam engaging a second arm 19 fastened to and moving with folding arm 15. A blade 20 at the upper end of arm 15 serves as a support over which the articles are draped in succession, and also as a knife for introducing the draped article to the bite between two folding rolls 21, between which it passes under roll pressure to produce and compress the folds. Movement of the folding arm 15 back and forth, together with the rate of travel of the article and the timing of its movement with reference to arm movement, determines the exact points at which the cross folds are produced, while the folding rolls, together with the blade on the arm which introduces the article to the bite of the rolls, constitute the folding devices.

Cam 17 is rotated intermittently, or at intervals, by any suitable half revolution mechanism. That shown includes a fine tooth clutch including two members 22,

30, having a second arm 31 connected by link 32 to a.

lever 33 pivoted at 34 and provided with a pin or pawl. 35. upon cam 23, said shoulder having two'inclined portions 37 each terminating in a stop recess 38, the two recesses being diametrically spaced with respect to the shaft center. i

Cam 24 is provided with a single lobe 39 adapted to cooperate successively with a roller 40 and a switch arm 40a, each connected to the operating arm of a small spring closed or normally open electric switch, such switches being marked 41, 41a respectively.

Normally the clutch is open, as in Fig. 4, pin 35 lying alongside the shoulder 36 and entering the recess? 38 concealed on the far side of shaft 18 in that view. Thus, the pin holds the,clutch open. Whenever solenoid 26 is energized, it pulls down the lever 29 and through members 31, 32, turns lever 33 clockwise in Fig 2 and withdraws the pin 35 from recess 38, thus releasing the clutch unit for endwise movement. Thereupon spring 25 expands and closes the clutch.

In the normal position of the parts, shown in Fig. 4, the roller of the upper switch 4] lies on the cam 39,

which holds that switch closed. As soon as clutch 22, 22a, closes, the several cams and both clutch parts rotate with the shaft through 180". Almost immediately, when these parts start to rotate, cam 39 leaves roller 40 and switch 41 opens. As the parts approach completion of 180 movement, solenoid 26 having been deenergized a torsion spring 42 (Fig. 3) returns the solenoid core, links, lever, and pin 35 to their original positions, with the pin 35 alongside the shoulder 36, so that when the inclined portion 37 of said shoulder comes around, the clutch and several cams of the unit return to clutch open position and terminate the half revolution cycle, the final effect being for the'cam 39 to engage the switch arm 40a of the second switch 41a and close it, leaving the parts as they were before, but advanced 180, and ready for the next clutch operation.

Thus, each time solenoid 26 is energized, one of the two switches is immediately opened; then the cam 17 moves the folding arm 15 in one direction or the other, then the other switch is closed, and the parts stop. The purposes of the switches-will be referred to later.

The measuring devices, for determining the points where cross folds are to be produced, may be either electrical or electro-mechanical in form, both arrangements being illustrated in the aforesaid Preston patent. For convenience only, and in no sense of limitation,

the present application shows electronic measuring devices.

The electronic control system includes but a single trip device, shown at 43, Fig. 1, and also in Fig. 5.

Referring now to Fig. 5, the electronic control and measuring system includes five electronic tubes numbered respectively 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5, all of the four element type including plate, grid, cathode and filament, as shown. The circuits for the tubes 1 to 4 inclusive are quite simi- Also mounted;

This pin cooperates with an annular shoulder 36' ing point, with consequent flow from grid to cathode of tube 5 during the half cycles when terminal 44 is positive with respect to the center terminal. The grid and cathode elements in this instance function as a rectifier in which the grid acts as an anode. Tube 5 is blocked from passing current as long as the sheet contact 43 is closed, but as soon as that contact is interrupted or opened by the passage of the [passage of the] leading edge of a traveling article, the tube passes sutficient plate current to immediately energize the coil of relay E, later to be referred to.

The other four tubes, 1 to 4 inclusive, are generally alike, one typical tube (e. g. tube 1) being illustrated on a larger scale -in Fig. 6. Similarly to tube 5, each of these tubes is energized by the secondary ofa transformer, the primary of which is connected to L1, L2. Each tube includes a condenser and resistor connected in the grid circuit to produce and control a time delay in the firing of the tube after the charging circuit to the condenser is opened. The arrangement is similar to that followed in regular standard vacuum-tube time-delay relays, with exceptions now to be noted. The capacitor 45 shown in the grid circuit is charged with the polarity indicated and to the peak of the voltage from the central terminal of the transformer to resistor R2. The current for charging capacitor 45 flows from terminal 46 through resistor R2, through potentiometer 47 to its slider, thence through normally closed switch contacts (here marked AA?) of a relay AA shown in Fig. 5, thence through capacitor 45 to the grid, and thence to the cathode of the tube, and to the center terminal 48 of the transformer, during the half cycles when terminal 46 is positive with respect to terminal 48. This charging circuit, it will be observed, includes but a single switch AAa, which is true of all of the first four tubes. The grid and cathode elements of the tube in this instance function as a rectifier in which the grid acts as an anode.

The voltage applied to the grid of the tube consists of two parts, to wit, the A. C. voltage from terminal 46 to resistor R2 and to the slider of the potentiometer 47, and also the D. C. voltage across capacitor 45. If the D. C. voltage in the grid circuit is greater than the A. C. voltage in the grid circuit, the tube is blocked and does not pass current. However, as soon as the charging circuit to the condenser is opened, as at switch AAz, the D. C. voltage immediately starts to decrease, because capacitor 45 now discharges into and through resistors R4 and R5. After a definite time interval, the tube becomes unblocked and passes sufficient current to energize the coil of relay A, in this typical instance.

Recharging of the capacitor 45 occurs when the normally closed switch contacts AA: (now open) are again closed to their normal position.

The length of timing may be varied by adjustment of the potentiometer 47.

Still referring to the four like tubes 1, 2, 3 and 4, as typically illustrated for tube 1 in the circuit, Fig. 6, it will be noted that the resistance R5 is shunted by a circuit including a normally open switch, here marked DDz. If this switch is open when capacitor 45 begins to discharge, then the discharge is through both resistors R4, R5; but if or when such switch is closed, then the discharge is through only one of said resistors, R4. When the discharge is through R4 alone, the length of time delay then occurring is proportional to the ratio of resist ance R4 to the earlier total of resistances R4 and R5. The consequent accelerated rate of condenser discharge is utilized in the present system.

Thus, summing up, it will be observed that in each of the tubes 1 to 4 inclusive, the condenser 45 is controlled by three circuits,-to wit, the charging circuit, including switch AAa, before referred to, which may be characterized as circuit X, the primary or first discharge circuit, including both of resistors R4, Rs, which may be characterized as circuit Y, and the secondary or accelerated discharge circuit, including switch DD: and resistor R4. alone, and which may be characterized as circuit Z.

Still referring to the typical tube 1 and its related circuit elements, when such tube is unblocked and passes sufficient current to energize its relay coil (A in this instance) the effect is to actuate a controlling switch M1.

Corresponding switches for the other three tubes are marked M2, M3 and M4.

Switch M1 is a single pole double throw switch with two contacts A1, A2.

Switch M2 is a double pole double throw switch with four contacts B1, B2, B3, B4.

Switch M: is also a double pole double throw switch with four contacts C C2, C3, C4.

Switch M4 is a similar switch with contacts D1, D2, D3, D4.

Incidentally, it may also be observed that the relay coil E of tube 5 actuates a similar double pole double throw switch M5, having four contacts E1, E2, E3 and E4.

The movable right-hand blade of each of the five switches M1 to M5 inclusive is connected, by conductors, to L1, as shown. Where the switches have a second or left blade (all except M1) the second blade receives its supply through other conductors to be later referred to.

Cooperating with the four tubes are four controlling relay coils marked respectively AA, BB, CC and DD, each provided with a series of contacts which it actuates and controls.

For example, relay AA is provided with normally open contacts AA1, AA: and AA4 and normally closed contacts AA: and AAs.

Relay coil BB controls normally open contacts BB1, BB: and BB4 and normally closed contacts BB3 and BB5.

Relay coil CC actuates normally open contacts CC1, CCz, CC: and normally closed contacts CC4.

Relay coil DD actuates normally open contacts DD1, DDz, DDa and DD; and normally closed contacts DDs.

Tubes Nos. 1 and 2 work in conjunction with each other, or as a set or pair, to accomplish measuring for and cause the first and second folds of the same article, while tubes 3 and 4 work in conjunction with-each other,

' as a set or pair, to accomplish like service for the first and second folds of an article following the first article.

In other words, the two sets are used alternately, and the control system is arranged to so operate them.

The timing to be provided by tubes Nos. 1 and 3, for the first fold, is the same, so that the capacities and resistances are chosen and adjusted alike for these two tubes. The timing to be provided by tubes Nos. 2 and 4 is also to be the same, but differing from that provided by tubes 1 and 3, so that the capacities and resistances for these two tubes are chosen and adjusted alike, but usually to different values from those for tubes 1 and 2.

A detailed description of the various circuits involved, during folding operations, will clarify the purposes of the various sets of tubes, relays and other controlling devices, as follows:

Let us assume that the system has been designed to fold sheets with a maximum length of ninety-four inches and that the capacities and resistances have been adjusted to produce folds at the quarter and half points. In other words, assuming the folding bar 15 in the position shown in Fig. l the sheet will advance until approximately twenty-five per cent of it, or one-quarter, hangs below the folding blade 20, whereupon a folding operation occurs in the sense that solenoid 26 is energized to cause the arm 15 to advance, away from the folding rolls 21, to its outermost position, the sheet thereupon falling or draping in front of the blade in a double loop. Advance of the sheet continues until approximately the threequarter point of the sheet has reached the level of the folding blade, whereupon the trip solenoid 26 is again energized and the folding blade returns to its original position, thus advancing the sheet, now draped or divided into four plies or layers, as shown in Fig. 7, into the bite 'the actual length of the article into account.

of the folding rolls, between which it passes, thus completing one folding operation. The folding operation therefore requires two movements of the folding arm and bar. I

At the beginning of a day, or whenever starting the machine into operation, all circuits are open and all tubes, capacitors and coils are deenergized. Switches 41, 41a should be in the positions shown in Fig. 5. If not, they will immediately assume that position, by an idle half revolution cycle, when the main switch 49 is closed, as will later appear. But in any event, closure of the main switch immediately energizes the several tube filaments and closes the several charging circuits to charge the' capacitor for each thereof. 1

Now, when the leading edge of a sheet engages the trip 43, tube No.5 fires immediately. That is to say, it becomes unblocked and passes current to the relay E, which thereupon actuates the switch M5, moving its blades from the position shown, on contacts E2 and E4, to its other contacts E1 and E3.

1 The only effect, at switch M5, is to complete a circuit from L1 to the contact Ea, then through a blade of switch M2 to and through relay coil AA to contacts AA4, but

not through them, thence through the normally closed contacts DD5 of relay DD to La. Relay AA is thereby energized. A maintaining circuit for relay AA is immediaitely established from L1 through a blade of relay B to its contact B1, thence through the normally open contacts AA1 of relay AA (now closed), thence through the coil of relay AA, and on as before.

Relay AA moves its several sets of contacts to their second positions, with two effects.

First, the charging circuit X for tube 1 is opened at contacts AAs, and the capacitor for said tube begins to discharge through its primary discharge circuit Y.

Second, the charging circuit X for'tube 2 is opened at contacts AA5, and the primary discharge circuit Y for its capacitor becomes operative.

In order to accomplish the first fold in the article it is necessary to energize the clutch trip solenoid 26 to produce motion of the folding arm and blade, and since this action is to occur at the quarter point, or, in other words, at a point proportional to the length of the article, but regardless of its actual length, it is necessary to take This is accomplished by the passage of the trailing edge of the sheet past the trip contact 43 enabling it to close.

If the sheet is of the maximum length which the tubes will take care of at the chosen capacities and resistances, and adjustments thereof, then the capacity 45 for tube 1 will become fully discharged at the time the trailing edge of the sheet permits switch 43 to close, and tube 1 will fire without any acceleration of the rate of discharge of its condenser. But that situation is not frequent. Usually some acceleration of the rate of discharge is necessary. In other words, the trailing edge of the sheet will permit trip contact 43 to close before the condenser 45 of tube 1 is fully discharged. The effect of closing of trip contact 43, in that event, is to again block the flow of current through tube 5, deenergizing its relay coil E, and permitting its switch M5 to return to its original position.

One effect is to open the initial energizing circuit for relay AA at contacts E3. Another effect is to establish a circuit as follows: i

From L1 through the right-hand blade of switch Ms to contact E4, thence through the normally open but now closed contacts AA: of relay AA, thence through the coil of relay DD to L2, thus energizing relay DD and moving its several contacts to their second positions, from the positions shown.

A maintaining circuit for relay DD is immediately circuit for energizing relay BB by closure of contacts DD1, thus preparing the second set of tubes 3, 4 for use in measuring a second article.

When the article is of maximum length, as stated, the effect is felt at tube 1 at the same instant that its con-, denser becomes fully discharged, so that there is no real accelerated rate of discharge and the tube 1 fires immediately. But when the article is of shorter length, the rate of discharge is accelerated at the instant the trailing edge of the sheet passes the trip contact 43 and the tube fires after condenser discharge is completed at the end of the period of accelerated discharge.

In either case, upon firing of tube 1, switch M1 is moved from the position shown, on contact A: to contact A1. This completes a circuit as follows:

From Li through the blade of switch M1 to contact A1, thence through the drum clutch trip contact 41a (now in closed position) and through clutch trip solenoid 26 to L2.

Energization of the clutch trip solenoid closes the clutch in the manner before described and'starts a half when the arm reaches its outermost position and the shaft has rotated 180. As it terminates, switch 41 closes, without electrical effect.

Discharge of the condenser 45 of tube 2 is still going on, but at the accelerated rate,'because its accelerating circuit Z is closed at'the contacts DD: of switch DD. When that condenser is completely discharged, tube 2 fires with effects as follows:

Coil B is energized, actuating the switch M2, thus moving its right-hand blade from its position shown, on contact B4, to its other position on contact B3, thus establishing a circuit as follows:

From L1, through the right-hand blade of switch M2, to contact Ba, thence through the drum driven switch 41 (now closed), and through the clutch trip solenoid 26 to L2.

The eflect is to again cause actuation of the clutch, and half revolution of the shaft 18 and other parts, returning them to their original positions. This operation is accompanied by return of the folding arm 15 and blade 20 to their original positions, feeding the article to the bite of the folding rollers, where it is pressed into the form shown in Fig. 6, thus completing fold ofthis article.

Energization of coil B also opens the circuit through switch M2 to its contact B4, thus deenergizing relay AA but and reestablishiug the charging circuits X for tubes 1 and 2.

Tubes 3 and 4 function to produce the first and second folds in a second closely following article in exactly the same manner as tubes 1 and 2, without further description. In extreme cases, where three very short articles might follow in close succession, three sets of tubes and relays might be employed. But the arrangement shown provides but two sets.

' The reason for using a duplicate or second set of tubes and relays is to prevent. interference with the already established functions of the tubes of the first set, when a closely following second article engages the sheet contact 43 before the folding operations on the first article have been completed. The arrangement and operation to that endwill now be described.

Again assuming that a full length ninety-four inch article has just passed the sheet contact 43, and that a second article is following closely behind, it can be appreciated that the secondarticle will interrupt the sheet contact and would interferewith the accelerated rate of discharge of the capacitor 45 on the tube 2, unless some means is provided to prevent such interference.

It will be noted that when the trailing edge of the first article passed trip 43 relay DD was energized, and its coil then was maintained energized through its own normally open contacts DD4 (now closed) and the normally closed contact CC4 of relay CC. Also, when relay DD is energized, the initiating circuit for energizing relay AA is opened at contacts DDs, and the initiating circuit, for

setting tubes 3 and 4 into operation, is preliminarily prepared at contacts DD1.

Now when the sheet contact 43 is opened by the leading edge of a closeily following article, circuits are established as follows:

From L1 now through the left-hand blade of switch Ms (now in its second position) to contact E1, thence through normally closed contacts D2 of relay D, thence to but not through the contact BB1 of relay BB, through the coil of relay BB, thence through the normally open contacts DD1 of relay DD (now closed), to L2. This closes relay BB. The maintaining circuit for relay BB is now established from L1 through the right-hand blade of switch M4. of relay D to its contact D4, through the normally open contacts BB1 of relay BB (now closed), next through the coil of relay BB, and so on as before.

Energization of relay BB opens the charging circuit X to capacitor 45 of tube 3, by opening the normally closed contacts BB: of relay BB. This terminates charge of the capacitor 45 of tube 3 and initiates discharge of said capacitor through its primary charging circuit Y, including resistances R14 and R15.

At the same time the charging circuit to the capacitor 45 of tube 4 is opened by opening a second set of normally closed contacts BB5 of relay BB, in the charging circuit X for tube 4. This starts the discharge of capacitor 45 of tube 4 through its primary discharging circuit Y, including resistors R19 and R20.

When the trailing edge of the second article leaves the sheet contact 43, such contact again closes, which deenergizes relay E with results as follows:

First, the initial circuit for energizing relay BB is opened at contact E1. Second, relay CC is energized by a circuit as follows:

From L1 through the left-hand blade of switch M5 to its contacts E2, thence through the normally open contacts BB2 of relay BB (now closed), through the coil of relay CC to L2. A maintaining circuit for relay CC is immediately established as follows: I

From L1 through the normally open contact CC1 of relay CC (now closed) through the normally open contacts BB of relayBB. (-now closed) and through the coil of relay CC to L2.

Energization of relay CC closes its normally open contacts and thus completes the accelerated discharge circuits Z of tubes 3 and 4, by short circuiting the resistances R15 and Rmof the condensers of such tubes. It also opens normally closed contacts CC4 in the initiating circuit for energizing relay BB.

As in the case of tubes Nos. 1 and 2, accelerated rate 2 of discharge at tubes 3 and 4 is different, producing firing as with tubes 1 and v2, and requires no detailed descrip- ,tion.

Speaking generally, the purposes of certain of the elements of the control system described may be stated as follows:

Clutch trip contacts or switches 41, 41a are closed alternately at the ends of each of a series of half cycle operations. These two switches, acting in concert because of their operation from a single cam on shaft 18, serve to produce the appropriate direction of motion of the folding or draping arm 15. When one of them is closed the arm advances, and when the other is closed it is retracted, andthat is true regardless of whether the particular folding operations are being produced or controlled by the first set of tubes 1 and 2, or the second set, 3 and 4.

Switch M5, controlled by tube 5 and sheet contacts 43,

is really a double switch, or, in other words, two switches coupled together for simultaneous actuation by cofil E. Each of the blades of said switch can produce two folding operations, the first by advance to its second contact -and the second by return to its first contact. However,

blade 20, each movement of which produces a fold in an article. That means, whatever its form, is here actuated to perform two operations upon the article at different points located upon it proportionately to its length, regardless of its actual length.

Performance of the operations is controlled by two governing-units each arranged to accomplish measurement of the article and to cause actuation of the operation performing means. j v

Operations of the two units referred to are controlled by a single trip device, here typified by the. trip contacts 43, which in turn actuate a primary selector means, such as the relay E and the switch M5 actuated by it. This selector means, by its operation as a consequence of the passage of one article past the trip device, selects one or the other of the two units as the immediate controller for the operation performing means. Its operation to that end is determined by a secondary selector means, to wit, the relay DD and its normally open contacts DB1 and normally closed contacts DD5. That is to say, each time the primary selector means is operated it not only chooses or selects one of the units as the immediate controller for the operation performing means, but it also adjusts the secondary selector means,

whether relay DD is deenergized or energized. Because I contacts DD are in the initiating circuit for energizing relay AA and contacts DD1 in the initiating circuit for energizing relay BB, the relays AA and BB, respectively, set into operation either the first set of tubes 1 and 2 or the second set of tubes 3 and 4. Thus, if coil DD is deenergized the right-hand blade of switch M5, is effective, through normally closed contacts DDs, to energiz relay AA when that blade is advanced to contact E3. Thereupon relay AA opens the charging circuits of tubes 1 and 2 and subsequently energization of relay DD initiates accelerated rate of condenser discharge, at the same time reversing the positions of the contacts DDl, DDs.

Then, a second or following article, causing actuation of switch M5, becomes operative through its left-liand blade, which now initiates energization of relay BB, by its engagement with contact E1. Later relay CC initiates the accelerated rate-of discharge for the condensers of the second pair of tubes 3, 4. Even if the successive articles are spaced widely apart, the two pairs of tubes 1, 2 and 3, 4 are put into operation successively or in turn. That is because completion of the folds on the first article leaves the relay DD energized, with the left-hand blade of switch M5 alone effective to initiate tube operation, a condition which persists so long as the main switch re mains closed. Therefore, a second article is always measured by the second set of tubes, unless in the meantime the main switch has been opened or relay DD has otherwise been deenergized.

It should be noted that if at anytime the machine is started when the switches 41, 41a are in the wrong positions, or out of phase, i. e., with switch 41 closed and .41a open, as might occur if the machine is stopped at the F Thus, in conclusion, the present invention may be summarized as follows:

The means which performs an operation upon each of a series of articles fed or traveling along a path, is

here typified by the draping or folding arm 15 and its 75 as the result of actuation of the trip device by passage next time the primary selector means is operated, it

now selects another of the units, specifically the second one in the form shown and described. The secondary selector means hence is operated by the first but is also sensitive to passage of the trailing edge of an article past the trip device 43.

The system described prevents interference bya following article with measuring of the next preceding article or performance of an operation thereon. Nevertheless it involves but a single trip and consequently makes the entire machine shorter than when two trips, spaced along the path of article movement, are employed. The mechanism is readily adjusted for measurement of the articles in any desired proportions and is accurate in the performance of its duty.

Further advantages of the invention will be apparent I to those skilled'in the art.

What I claim is: i 1. In apparatus of the type in which operating means performs an operation, proportionate to article length,

upon each of a series of articles fed in succession along a path, improved controlling means for said operating means, comprising a plurality of article measuring units, each capable of independently performing a measuring operation, each operatively associated with said operating means to control and cause actuation thereof, a single trip device cooperating therewith and so located as to be sensitive to travel of an article along said path, movable selector means controlled by said trip device and operatively connected to said measuring units and adapted by its movement to cause one of said units in cooperation with said trip device to first measure an article and then to cause actuation of said operating means, and a controller also sensitive to travel of an article along said path for clesignating which of said units becomes operativev upon operating movement of said selector means in response to'the next, following article.

2. In apparatus of the type in which operating mean performs an operation, proportionate to article length, upon each ofa series of articles fed in succession along a path, improved controlling meansfor said operating means, comprising a plurality of article measuring.units each capableof independently performing a measuring operation, each operatively associated with said oper- 11 and operatively connected to said measuring units and adapted by its movement to cause one of said units in cooperation with said trip device to first measure an article and then to cause actuation of said operating means to perform an operation, each of said units including means for causing separate actuations of said operating means atdifferent points spaced apart upon the article.

3. In apparatus of the type in which an operating means performs an operation, proportionate to article length, upon each of a series of articles fed in succession along a path, improved controlling means for said operating means, comprising a plurality of article measuring units, each capable of independently performing a measuring operation, each operatively associated with said operating means to control and cause actuation thereof, a single trip device cooperating therewith and so located as to be sensitive to travel of an article along said path, movable sclector'means controlled by said trip de-' vice and operatively connected to said measuring units and adapted by its movement. to cause one of said units in cooperation with said trip device to first measure one article and then to cause actuation of said operating means to perform an operation, and means whereby movement of said selector means to causeoperation of one of said units with respect to said one article causes said selector means to become effective upon another unit when the next following article affects the trip device, each of said units including means for causing separate actuations of saidoperating means at different points spaced apart upon the article.

4. in apparatus of the typein which operating means performs an operation, proportionate to article length,

upon each of a series of articles fed in succession along a path, improved controlling means for said operating means, comprising a plurality of article measuring units, .each capable of independently performing a measuring operation, each operatively associated with said oper-.

ating means to control and cause actuation thereof, a single trip device cooperating therewith'and so located as to be sensitive to travel of an article along said path, movable selector means controlled by said trip device and operatively connected to said measuring units and adapted by its movement to cause one of said unitsin cooperation with said trip device to first measure an 4 article and then to cause actuation of said operating a means, and a controller also sensitive to travel of an 7 article along said path for designating which of said units becomes operative upon operating movement of said selector means in response to the next following article, each of said units including means for causing separate actuations of said operating means at different points spaced apart upon the article. 7

5. In apparatus of the type in which operating means performs an operation, proportionate to article length,

upon each of a series of articles fed in succession along a path, improved controlling means for said operating means, comprising a plurality of article measuring units, each capable of independently performing a measuring operation, each operatively associated with said operating means to control and cause actuation thereof, a single trip device cooperating therewith and so located as to be sensitive to travel of an article along said path, and selector means controlled by said trip device and having two-step movement, one step produced by movement of the leading edge and the other step by movement of trailing edge of an article past the trip device, the first step initiating operation of one of said units and the second adjusting said unit in proportion to article length, to thereproved controlling means for said operating means, comprising a plurality of article measuring units, each capable of independently performing a measuring operation, each unit including twov controlling members independently effective upon said operating means to cause, two actuations thereof, one for each ratio of article length, a single trip device sensitive to travel of an article along said path, and selector means controlled by said trip device and having two-step movement, one step produced by movement of the leading edge and the other step by movement of the trailing edge of an article past the trip device, the first step initiating operation of one of said units and the second adjusting both of the members of said unit in ditTerent proportions to article length.

7. In apparatus of the type in which operating means performs two operations, both proportionate, but in different ratios, with respect to article length, upon each of a series of aricles fed in succession along a path, im-

prising a plurality of article measuring units, each capable .of independently performing a measuring operation, each unit including two controlling members independently effective upon said operating means to cause two actuations thereof, one for each ratio of article length, a single trip device sensitive to travel of an article along said path, selector means controlled by said trip device and having two-step movement, one step produced by movement of the leading edge and the other step by movement of the trailing edge of an article past the trip device, the first step initiating operation of one of said units and the second adjusting both of the members of said unit in different proportions to article length, and a controller also sensitive to travel of an article past said trip for designaing which of said units becomes operative upon operating movement of said selector means in response to the next succeeding article.

.pable of independently performing a measuring operation, each unit including two controlling members independently effective upon said operating means to cause two actuations thereof, one for each ratio of article length, a single trip device sensitive to travel of an article along' said path, selector means controlled by said trip device and having two-step movement, one step produced by movement of the leading edge and the other step by movement of the trailing edge of an article past the trip device, the first step initiating operation of one of said units and the second adjusting both of the members of said unit in different proportions to article length, and a controller sensitive to the second step of movement of said selector means upon passage of one article past said trip for designating which of said units becomes operative upon operating movement of said selector means in response to the next succeeeding article passing said trip.

9. In apparatus of the type in which operating means performs an operation, proportionate to article length, upon each of a series of articles fed in succession along along a path, improved controlling means for said operating means, comprising a plurality of article measuring units, each capable of independently performing a measuring operation, each operatively associated with said operating means to control and cause actuation thereof, a single trip device cooperating therewith and so located as to be sensitive to travel of an aricle along said path, primary movable selector means controlled by said trip device and operatively connected to one of said measuring units and adapted by its movement to cause one of said units in cooperation with said trip device to first measure an article and then to cause actuation of said operating-means toperform an operation, and secondary selector means rendered effective by each operation of said primary selector means for operatively connecting said articles therepast, said timing device comprising controlling means for said operating means including a plurality of article-measuring units, each capable of independently performing a measuring operation, an actuating switch operatively responsive to operation of said trip, selector means operatively responsive to respective positions of said actuating switch for designating which of said units becomes operable in response to actuation of said trip by the next article, and means operatively connecting each of said units with said operating means.

11. A timing device for use with an apparatus of the type wherein a series of articles is fed in succession along a path, and an operating means performs an operation proportionate to article length on each article, and wherein said apparatus has a single trip located adjacent said path so as to be sensitive to and responsive to travel of said articles therepast, said timing device comprising controlling means for said operating means including a plurality of article-measuring units, each capable of independently performing a measuring operation, an actuating switch, said actuating switch having a plurality of operating positions, a selector means for designating which one of said articlemeasuring units becomes operable in response to actuation of said trip by an article in the series, operative connections between said trip and said actuating switch, operative connections between said actuating switch and said selector means, operative connections between said selector means and each of said article measuring units, and operative connections between each of said article measuring units and said operating means.

12. A timing device for use with an apparatus of the type wherein a series of articles is fed in succession along a path, and anoperating means performs an operation proportionate to article length on each article, and wherein said apparatus has article sensitive means located adjacent said path so as to be sensitive to and responsive to travel of said articles therepast, said timing device comprising controlling means for said operating means including a plurality of article-measuring units, each capable of independently performing a measuring operation, an actuating switch, a selector for designating which one of said article-measuring units becomes operable in response to actuation of said article-sensitive means by an article in the series, operative connections between said article-sensitive means and said actuating switch, operative connections between said actuating switch and said selector means, operative connections between said selector means and each of said article-measuring units, and operative connections between each of said articlemeasuring units and said operating means.

13. A timing device for use with an apparatus of the type wherein a series of articles is fed in succession along a path, and an operating means performs an operation proportionate to article length on each article, and wherein said apparatus has article-sensitive means located adjacent said path so as to be sensitive to and responsive to travel of said articles therepast, said timing d vice comprising controlling means for said operating mean including a plurality of article-measuring units, each capable of independently performing a measuring operation, a first selector consisting of a switch movable to any one of several positions, a second selector for designating which one of said article-measuring units becomes operable in response to actuation of said article-sens tive means by an article in the series, operative connect ions '14 between said article-sensitive means and said first selector, operative connections between saidfirst selector and said second selector, operative connections between said second selector and eachof said article-measuring units, and operative connections between each of said articlemeasuring units and said operating means.

14. A timing device for use with an apparatus of the type wherein a series of articles is fed in succession along a path, and an operating means performs an operation proportionate to article length on each article, and where'- in said apparatus has a single trip located adjacent said path so as to be sensitive to and responsive to travel of said articles therepast, said timing device comprising controlling means for said operating means including a plurality of article-measuring units, each capable of independently performing a measuring operation, an actuating switch operatively responsive to operation of said trip, selector means operatively responsive to operation of said actuating switch for designating which of said units becomes operable in response to actuation of said trip by the next article, and means operatively connecting each of said units with said operating means.

15. A timing device for use with an apparatus of the type wherein a series of articles is fed in succession along a path, and an operating means performs an operation proportionate to article length on each article, and wherein said apparatus has article sensitive means located adjacent said path so as to be sensitive to and responsive to travel of said articles therepast, said timing device comprising controlling means for said operating means including a plurality of article-measuring units, each capable of independently performing a measuring operation, a first selector consisting of a switch, a second selector for designating which one of said article-measuring units becomes operable in response to actuation of said articlesensitive means by an article in the series, operative connections between said article-sensitive means and said first selector,'operative connections between said first selector and said second selector, operative connections between said second selector and each of said article-measuring units, and operative connections between each of said article-measuring units and said operating means.

16. In apparatus of the type in which operating means performs an operation, proportionate to article length, upon each of a series of articles fed in succession along a path, improved controlling means for said operating means, comprising a plurality of article measuring units, each unit having respective proportional and full speed measuring means whereby each unit is individually ca,- pable of performing a measuring operation, each unit being operatively associated with said operating means to control and cause operation thereof, a single trip device cooperating therewith and so located as to be sensitive to travel of tin-article along said path, movable actuating means controlled by said trip device and-operatively connected to said measuring units and adapted by its movement to cause one of said units in cooperation with said trip device to first measure an article and then to cause operation of said operating means, and a selector also sensitive to travel of an article along said path for designating which of said units becomes operative upon operating movement of said actuating means in response to the next following article.

17. In apparatus of the type in which operating meart's performs an operation, proportionate to article length, upon each of a. series of articles fed in succession along a path, improved controlling means for said operating means, comprising a plurality of article measuring units, each unit having respective proportional and full speed measuring means whereby each unit is individually capable of performing a measuring operation, each unit being operatively associated with said operating means to control and cause operation thereof, a single trip device cooperating therewith and so located as to be sensitive to travel of an article along said path, and movable actuating means tions of said operating means at difierent points spaced apart upon the article. I

18. In apparatus of the type in which an operating means performs an operation, proportionate to article length, upon each of a series of articles fed in succession along a path, improved controlling means for said operating means, comprising a plurality of article measuring units, each unit having respective proportional and full speed measuring means whereby each unit is individually capable of-performing a measuring operation, each unit being operatively associated with said operating means to control and cause operation thereof, a single trip device cooperating therewith and so located as to be sensitive to travel of an article along said path, movable actuating means controlled by said .trip device and operatively connected to said measuring units and adapted by its movement to cause one of said units in cooperation with said trip device to first measure one article and then to cause operation of said operating means to perform an operation, and selector means responsive to said actuating means so as to cause operation of one of said units with respect to said one article, and subsequently causes said actuating means to become efiective upon another unit when the next following article affects the trip device, each of said units including means for causing separate operations of said operating means at different points spaced apart upon the article.

19. In apparatus of the type in which operating means performs an operation, proportionate to article length, upon each of a series of articles fed in succession along a path, improved controlling "means for said operating means, comprising a plurality of article measuring units, each unit having respective proportional and full speed measuring means whereby each unit is individually capable of performing a measuring operation, each unit being operatively associated with said operating means to control and cause operation thereof, a single trip device cooperating therewith and so located as to be sensitive to travel of an article along said path, movable actuating means controlled by said trip device and operatively connected to said measuring units and adapted by its movement to cause one of said units in cooperation with said trip device to first measure an article and then to cause operation of said operating means, and a selector also sensitive to travel of an article along said path for designating which of said units becomes operative upon operating movement of said actuating means in response to the next following article, each of said units including means for causing separate operations of said operating means at diflereut'points spaced apart upon the article.

20. In apparatus of the type in which operating means performs an operation, proportionate to article length, I

upon each of a series of articles fed in succession along a path, improved controlling means for said operating means, comprising a plurality of article measuring units, each unit having respective proportional and full speed measuring means whereby each unit is individually capable of performing a measuring operation, each unit being operatively associated with said operating means to control and cause operation thereof, a single trip device eooperating therewith and so located as to be sensitive to article past the trip device, the first step initiating operation of one of said units and the second adjusting said unit in proportion to article length, tothereby measure 16 each article and produce an operation upon it in proportion to its length. t

21 In apparatus of the type in which operating, means performs two operations, both proportionate, butcin different ratios, with respect to article length, upon each of a series of articles fed in succession along a path, im-

proved controlling means for said operating means, com

prising a plurality of article measuring units, each unit having respective proportional and full speed measuring means whereby each unit is individually capable of performing a measuring operation, each unit including two controlling members independently efiective upon said operating means to cause two operations thereof, one for each ratio of article length, a single strip device sensitive to travel of an article along said path, and actuating means controlled by said trip device and having two-step movement, one step produced by movement of the leading edge and the other step by movement of the trailing edge of an article past the trip device, the first step initiating operation of one of said units and the second adjusting both of the members of said unitin difierent proportions to article length. I

'22. In apparatus of the type in which operating means performs two operations, both proportionate, but in different ratios, with respect to article length, upon each of a series of articles fed in succession along a path, improved controlling means for said operating means, comprising a plurality of article measuring units, each unit having respective proportional and full speed measuring means whereby each unit is individually capable of performing a measuring operation, each unit including two controlling members independently efiective upon said operating means to cause two actuations thereof, one for each ratio of article length, a single trip device sensitive to travel of an article along said path, actuating means controlled by said trip device and having two-step movement, one step produced by movement of the leading edge and the other step by movement of the trailing edge of an article past the trip device, the first step initiating operation of one of said units and the second adjusting both of the members of said unit in different proportions to article length, and a selector also sensitive to travel of an article past said trip for designating which of said units becomes operative upon operating movement of said actuating means in response to the next succeeding article.

23. In apparatus of the type in which operating means performs two operations, both proportionate, but in different ratios, with respect to article length, upon each of a series of articles fed in succession along a path, improved controlling means for said operating means, comprising a plurality of article measuring units, each unit having respective proportional and full 1 speed measuring means whereby each unit is individually capable of performing a measuring operation, each unit including two controlling members independently eflective upon said operating means to cause two operations thereof, one for each ratio of article length, a single trip device sensitive to travel of an article along said path, actuating means controlled by said trip device and having two-step movement, one step produced by movement of the leading edge and the other step by movement of the trailing edge of an article past the trip device, the first step intiating operation of one of said units and the second adjusting both of the members of said unit in difierent proportions to article length, and a selector sensitive to the second step of movement of said upon each of a series of articles lfed in succession along a path, improved controlling means for said operating means, comprising a plurality of article measuring units, each unit having respective proportional and full speed 17 1 measuring means whereby each unit is individually :apable of performing a measuring operation, each opera. ively associated with said operating means to control and cause operation thereof, a single trip device cooperating therewith and so located as to be sensitive to travel of an article along said path, primary movable means controlled by said trip device and operatively connected to one of said measuring units and adapted by its movement to cause one of said units in cooperation with said trip device to first measure an .article'and then to cause operation of said operating means to perform an operation, and selector means rendered eflective by each operation of said primary movable means for operatively connecting the latter to another measuring unit.

25. A timing device for use with an apparatus of the type wherein a series of articles is fed in succession along a path, and an operating means performs an operation proportionate to article length on each article, and where in said apparatus has a single trip located adjacent said path so as to beesensitive to and responsive to travel of said articles therepast, said timing device comprising controlling means for said operating means including a plurality of article-measuring units, each unit having respective proportional and full speed measuring means whereby each unit is individually capable of performing a measuring operation, an actuating switch operatively responsive to operation of said trip, selector means operatively responsive to respective positions of said actuating switch for designating which of said units becomes operable in response to actuation of said trip by the next article, and means operatively connecting each of said units with said operating means.

26. A timing device for use with an apparatus of the type wherein a series of articles is fed in succession along a path, and an operating means performs an operation proportionate to article length on each article, and wherein said apparatus has a single trip located adjacent said path so as to be sensitive to and responsive to travel of said articles therepast, said timing device comprising controlling means for said operating means including'a plurality of article-measuring units, each unit having respective proportional and full speed measuring means whereby each unit is individually capable of performing a measuring operation, an actuating switch, said actuating switch having a plurality of operating positions, a selector means for designating which one of said article-measuring units becomes operable in response to actuation of said trip by an article in the series, operative connections between .said trip and said actuatingswitch, operative connections between said actuating switch and said selector means, operative connections between said selector means and each of said article measuring units, and operative connections between each of said article measuring units and said operating means.

27. A timing device for use with an apparatus of the type wherein a series of articles is fed in succession along a path, and an operating means performs an operation proportionate to article length on each article, and wherein said apparatus has article sensitive means located adjacent said path so as to be sensitive to and responsive; to travel of said articles therepast, said timing device coinprising controlling means for said operating means including a plurality of article-measuring units, each unit having respectiveproportional and full speed measuring means whereby each unit is individually capable of performing a measuring operation, an actuating switch, a selector for designating which one of said article-measuring units becomes operable in response to actuation of said nrticlesensitive means by an article in the series, operative connections. between said article-sensitive means and said actuating switch, operative connections between said actuating switch and said selector means, operative connections between said selector means and each of said articlemeasuring units, and operative connections between each of said article-measuring units and said operating means.

, ing a plurality of article-measuring units, each unit having respective proportional and full speed measuring means whereby each unit is individually capable of performing a measuring operation, an actuator consisting of a switch movable to. any one of several positions, a selector for designating which one of said article-measuring units becomes operable in response to actuation of said articlesensitive means by an article in the series, operative connections between said article-sensitive means and said actuator, operative connections between said actuator and said selector, operative connections between said selector and each of said article-measuring units, and operative connections between each of said article-measuring units and said operating means.

29. A timing device for use with an apparatus of the type wherein a series of articles is fed in succession along a path, and an operating means performs an operation proportionate to article length on each article, and wherein said apparatus has a single trip located adjacent said path so as to be sensitive to and responsive to travel of said articles therepast, said timing device comprising controlling means for said operating means including a plurality of article-measuring units, each unit having respective proportional and full speed measuring means whereby each unit is individually capable of performing a measuring operation, an actuating switch operatively responsive to operation of said trip, selector means operatively responsive to operation ofsaid actuating switch for designating which of said units becomes operable in-response to actuation of said trip by the next article, and means operatively connecting each of said units with said operating means.

30. A timing device for use with an apparatus of the type wherein a series of articles is fed in succession along a path, and an operating meansperforms an operation proportionate to article length on each article, and wherein said apparatus has article sensitive means located adjacent said path so as to be sensitive to and responsive to travel of said articles therepast, said timing device comsponse to actuation of said article-sensitive means by an article in the series, operative connections between said article-sensitive means and said first selector, operative connections between said first selectorand said second selector, operative connections between said second selector and each of said article-measuring-units, and operative connections between each of said article-measuring units and said operating means.

31. A timing device for use with an apparatus of the Q I, type wherein a series of articles is fed in succession along a path, and an operating means perform an operation, proportionate to article length, on each article, and wherein said apparatus has a single trip located adjacent said path so as to be sensitive to and responsive to travel of said articles therepast, said timing device comprising controlling means for said operating means including a plurality ofarticle measuring units, each unit consisting of an electronic tube and appropriate grid, plate, and cathode circuits in which passage of plate current is controlled by variation in grid potential, grid potential control means establishingthe plate current cut-of point, an actuating switch operatively responsive to operation of said trip and 'eflective on said grid potential control means to permit passage of plate current, selector means operatively respon'sive to operation of said actuating switch for designating which of said units becomes operable in response to actuation of said trip by the next article, and means operatively connecting the plate circuit of each of said units with said operating means.

32. A timing device for use with an apparatus of the type wherein a series of articles is fed in succession along a path, and an cperati g means performs an operation, proportionate to articleqength, on each article, and wherein said apparatus has a-single trip located adjacent said 'path so as to be sensitive to and responsive to the travel of said article therepast, said timing device comprising controlling means for said operating means including aplurality of article measuring units, each unit consisting of an electronic tube with appropriate grid, plate, and cathode circuits, and being adapted to pass plate current therethrough when the grid potential is suitably varied past the plate current cut-ofi point, means including a capacitor able in response to actuation of said trip by the next,

article, and means operatively connecting the plate circuit of each of said units with said operating means.

References Cited in the file of this patent or the original patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,313,713 MacFa'rland Aug. 19, 1919 1,581,753 Mayer Apr. 20, 1926 1,697,010 Jones et a1. Ian. 1, 1929 2,034,040 Johnson Mar. 17, 1936 2,362,753 1944 Huck Nov. 14, 

